Online courses have exploded in popularity in recent years, with the e-learning market projected to reach over $300 billion by 2025. For entrepreneurs, bloggers, and subject matter experts, selling courses is an excellent way to share your knowledge while building a profitable business.
One of the best ways to host and sell online courses is with a learning management system (LMS) plugin on WordPress. WordPress powers over 40% of all websites and provides extensive customization options. By using an LMS plugin, you can easily create multimedia courses and accept payments directly on your WordPress site.
While there are several great WordPress LMS plugins available, one standout option is MasterStudy LMS. This powerful, feature-rich plugin lets you create professional courses out of the box. Some key features include:
- Drag-and-drop course builder
- Multiple content types (video, audio, text, quizzes, etc.)
- Built-in livestreaming tools
- Student engagement features like assignments and point systems
- Payment processing integrations
- Affiliate marketing tools
In this post, we‘ll take an in-depth look at MasterStudy LMS and how it compares to other top WordPress LMS plugins. Plus, get expert tips for creating, marketing and selling your online courses.
An In-Depth Look at MasterStudy LMS
MasterStudy LMS is an all-in-one solution for creating online courses in WordPress. The first thing you‘ll notice is the intuitive, drag-and-drop course builder. You can easily organize your content into sections, lessons, and quizzes without any technical knowledge.
One of MasterStudy LMS‘s biggest strengths is the range of content types it supports. In addition to standard text lessons, you can include videos, audio files, images, downloadable PDFs, and interactive slides. This multimedia approach helps make your courses more engaging.
Quizzes are another important part of online courses, both to reinforce learning and assess student progress. MasterStudy LMS lets you create quizzes with multiple question types. You can set passing grades and restrict lesson access until a student passes the associated quiz.
To further motivate students, MasterStudy LMS offers several engagement features:
- Assignments: Have students upload homework for instructor review and feedback
- Point system: Award points for completing lessons, quizzes and assignments
- Certificates: Automatically generate personalized certificates when a student finishes the course
- Private messaging: Allow direct communication between students and instructors
One unique standout feature of MasterStudy LMS is the built-in livestreaming functionality. You can teach live video lessons that students can comment on in real-time, adding an interactive element to your courses. This is great for group coaching, Q&A sessions, and building community.
When it comes to pricing your courses, MasterStudy LMS gives you options. You can set courses as free or paid, one-time fees or recurring subscriptions. Payment processing is available through integrations with PayPal, Stripe, and WooCommerce.
To help reach a bigger audience, MasterStudy LMS has a built-in affiliate management system. Recruit affiliates to promote your courses and easily track their sales and commissions inside WordPress.
Pricing for MasterStudy LMS starts at $54.99 per year for use on a single site, with a $149 lifetime pricing option available. The developer also sells a premium WordPress theme designed to work hand-in-hand with the LMS features. However, the plugin will work with any WordPress theme.
The main drawback of MasterStudy LMS is the lack of discussion forums. Unlike some other LMS plugins, it doesn‘t have a way for students to ask questions and interact with each other publicly. Forums can be added via an integration with the bbPress plugin, but it‘s not as seamless as having it built-in.
Overall, MasterStudy LMS is an excellent choice if you want a full-featured WordPress LMS plugin with unique features like livestreaming. The price is very reasonable considering everything that‘s included.
MasterStudy LMS vs. Other WordPress LMS Plugins
While MasterStudy LMS is a top contender, it‘s certainly not the only WordPress LMS plugin available. Let‘s see how it stacks up against some other popular options.
LearnDash
LearnDash is the most widely used WordPress LMS plugin. It matches MasterStudy LMS in terms of course creation features and student engagement tools. One advantage is built-in discussion forums for student interaction.
However, LearnDash lacks a livestreaming component. It‘s also more expensive, with licenses starting at $159/year.
LifterLMS
LifterLMS is another powerful option that‘s on par with MasterStudy LMS in most areas. In addition to the standard features, it offers built-in discussion forums and a customizable student dashboard.
LifterLMS doesn‘t offer livestreaming, and some features like reporting and assignments are only available as paid add-ons. Pricing starts at $99/year.
Thrive Apprentice
Thrive Apprentice is a more streamlined WordPress LMS plugin. While it has all the basics for creating and selling courses, it lacks some of the more advanced features of MasterStudy LMS.
However, Thrive Apprentice is a good choice if you want a more affordable and easier to use option. At $67/year, it‘s a budget-friendly way to get started with online courses.
When to Choose MasterStudy LMS
Given the comparisons above, MasterStudy LMS is an excellent all-around choice for most course creators. It‘s especially well-suited for those who want to offer live components like coaching and group training.
If you don‘t need livestreaming and want built-in forums, LearnDash or LifterLMS may be better options. For a simpler and cheaper solution, Thrive Apprentice is worth considering.
Tips for Creating and Selling Courses with MasterStudy LMS
Once you‘ve decided to use MasterStudy LMS, it‘s time to start building your course! Here are some tips for creating content that engages students and marketing your course effectively.
Plan Your Course Content
Before you dive into creating lessons, it‘s important to map out your course content. Decide what topics you‘ll cover and split them into individual lessons and modules. Consider what content types work best for each lesson (text, video, quizzes, etc.).
Optimize Lessons for Engagement
When creating your lessons, focus on engagement. Use plenty of visuals, interactive elements, and real-world examples. Keep videos short (5-10 minutes) and follow up with recap text and quizzes to reinforce ideas.
Offer Unique Selling Points
To make your course stand out, consider including some unique elements like livestreaming. You could use the built-in live tools for Q&A sessions or as added bonuses for students along with the main course content.
Market Your Course
Getting the word out about your course is essential. Set up an affiliate program through MasterStudy LMS and recruit partners to promote it. Use your email list, social media, and paid ads to drive targeted traffic to your course sales page.
Learn From Successful MasterStudy LMS Examples
Want to see MasterStudy LMS in action? Here are a few examples of people using this plugin effectively to sell online courses:
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Example 1: Personal development coach uses MasterStudy LMS to offer a premium video course with weekly live group coaching calls. Includes assessments and a private student forum.
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Example 2: Yoga instructor creates a library of on-demand video classes with MasterStudy LMS. Offers two tiers: a monthly subscription for access to all classes and option to purchase individual courses.
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Example 3: Freelance writer teaches a MasterStudy LMS course on how to start a successful writing business. Includes video lessons, interviews with other freelancers, writing templates, and assignments.
Looking at real-world examples can provide inspiration for your own course ideas and how to put together an enticing offer.
Start Teaching With MasterStudy LMS
MasterStudy LMS is a robust WordPress LMS plugin that makes it easy to create, market, and sell online courses. With an intuitive course builder, numerous content options, built-in livestreaming tools, and extensive student engagement features, it‘s a fantastic all-in-one solution.
While other WordPress LMS plugins like LearnDash, LifterLMS, and Thrive Apprentice are also worth considering, MasterStudy LMS stands out for its unique features and affordable pricing.
By following the tips outlined above for planning, creating, and marketing your course, you‘ll be well on your way to having a successful online course business powered by MasterStudy LMS and WordPress.
If you‘re ready to start sharing your expertise and earning income online, give MasterStudy LMS a try. With all the features it offers out of the box, you can have your course up and running in less time than you might think.
